Zhang Dejiang (R), chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC), holds talks with Speaker of the House of Representatives Tony Smith at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, June 28, 2017. (Xinhua/Zhang Duo)

BEIJING, June 28 -- China appreciates Australia's long-term adherence to the one-China policy and hopes Australia will properly handle issues relating to Taiwan, Tibet and the South China Sea, top legislator Zhang Dejiangsaid on Wednesday.

"Both sides need to strengthen political trust, respect each other's core interests and major concerns and deal with differences and sensitive issues in a constructive way," Zhang said in a meeting with Speaker of the Australian House of Representatives Tony Smith.

China's National People's Congress (NPC) will expand exchanges with Australia's Senate and the House of Representatives to advance bilateral ties, said Zhang, chairman of the Standing Committee of the NPC.

Zhang called on the legislative institutions to deepen cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative and to create a level playing field for business.

Both sides should consolidate the popular basis of bilateral ties, taking the opportunity of the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations to promote non-governmental exchanges and cooperation, Zhang said.

Smith hailed the growing trade and people-to-people exchanges between Australia and China, saying that the Australian House of Representatives will increase cooperation with the NPC through high-level visits and institutional exchanges.